Martial God of the Sun and Moon - Chapter 270

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————

Chapter 270
The drinking session stretched deep into the night.
After finishing the demonic creature liquor and ordering more wine separately, we drank cup after cup until the moon began its descent.
When the streets had grown nearly empty of passersby, Dokgo Un-hak suddenly asked a question.
“What would you have demanded if you’d won the wager?”
Dokgo Myeong chuckled.
“And you, Outer Hall Master?”
“I asked first.”
“That’s a secret. Isn’t yours the same?”
Dokgo Un-hak let out a soft laugh.
“I was going to demand the exclusion of the Twin Horse Alliance from this war.”
Dokgo Myeong paused for a moment.
Namgung Sohwa, who had been quietly drinking beside him, widened her eyes in surprise.
“Why would that be?”
“Because you’ve only recently achieved coordination. Or were you planning to send all those disciples you’ve gathered straight into the jaws of death?”
….
“It will require at least another six months before they become truly useful.”
“We could accelerate that timeline through actual combat experience.”
Namgung Sohwa offered a timid counterargument, but Dokgo Un-hak shook his head firmly.
“Are you asking the household to go through all that trouble so a band of less than a hundred warriors can gain experience?”
“That is….”
Dokgo Un-hak looked at Dokgo Myeong again.
“I will be taking command of this war. And I am not foolish enough to deploy a unit whose martial prowess remains unproven.”
Dokgo Un-hak regarded Dokgo Myeong.
“It would be better to deploy only you and your managers separately.”
Dokgo Myeong nodded.
“I see. That makes sense.”
“Quite composed, aren’t you?”
“What do you take me for? I’m not so unreasonable as to sulk over such a reasonable argument.”
Dokgo Un-hak regarded Dokgo Myeong with suspicious eyes.
‘What is this fellow scheming?’
Sensing Dokgo Un-hak’s gaze, Dokgo Myeong emptied his cup and spoke.
“Let’s discuss this again later, after we’ve settled this current matter.”
“Very well. Let us do so.”
Dokgo Myeong subtly shifted his gaze.
“It’s getting quite late. Do you think they won’t come?”
“Who knows.”
Dokgo Un-hak took a sip of wine.
“If they were truly united from the start and weren’t shaken by the reckless move we made, no one would respond.”
“That’s unlikely to be the case.”
“Why do you think so?”
“I know the Paeng Sect Leader somewhat.”
“Have you met him before?”
“Ah, not yet, but I do know of him.”
“What kind of nonsense is that?”
“You might say it’s a connection from a past life?”
“…?”
Dokgo Myeong chuckled and opened his mouth.
“In any case, he’s a man so straightforward and magnanimous that it’s almost endearing. If he were to hear news of this gathering….”
Suddenly, Dokgo Myeong trailed off.
Dokgo Un-hak had already turned his gaze elsewhere, and a moment later, Namgung Sohwa followed suit.
‘Blade aura.’
Dokgo Myeong’s eyes gleamed.
“Speak of the tiger and he appears.”
“Since ‘tiger’ is part of his epithet, that’s not entirely wrong. Hehe!”
Dokgo Un-hak burst into laughter.
Soon, the direction of their gaze fell upon the middle of the night street.
Thud, thud.
Someone was walking unobstructed down the center of the road.
The darkness that blanketed the surroundings could not conceal the middle-aged man’s piercing gaze and outstanding martial presence.
“….”
Despite the considerable distance, had he sensed their gaze?
The man suddenly stopped in his tracks and lifted his head.
Their gazes met across empty space.
“So it was here. May I come up?”
The Paeng Sect Leader, Peng Jin-cheol of the Five Tiger Divine Blade, spoke.
Though it should have been too far to hear, Dokgo Un-hak calmly nodded.
“You are welcome. Come up.”
* * *
The fan that had been fluttering gently came to an abrupt stop.
“Why did you do that?”
“…I apologize, Family Head.”
Jegal Mun, who had been gazing out the window with his back to Jegal Yurong, turned around.
“An apology doesn’t seem to be the end of this matter.”
Jegal Yurong fell silent.
Jegal Yurong, as an elder council member, held a higher position than Jegal Mun as his senior uncle.
But Jegal Mun was the Family Head. And he had the complete support of the entire clan.
Jegal Yurong bowed his head.
“I didn’t expect the Dokgo Household to come out so aggressively. It might have been better if….”
“I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that. If you truly think that way, I fear my disappointment would be considerable.”
Jegal Yurong’s expression hardened into a rigid mask.
“What exactly have I done wrong?”
“I distinctly remember asking you to proceed with negotiations without unnecessarily provoking them.”
“….”
“At the first meeting, I asked you to seize the initiative through a modest display of strength. Was that such an unreasonable request?”
“…No, sir.”
“Then why did you overturn the entire table?”
“I say again, it was they who overturned it. If we press this matter, we can actually turn it to our advantage in the aftermath.”
“Did they not say that after Moyong, we would be next?”
“Mere bluster. They were simply posturing with threats. Rather, we can use that as leverage in our next meeting to—”
“Will you continue to ramble on, oblivious to what the real problem is?”
At last, irritation seeped into Jegal Mun’s voice. His previously courteous tone shifted to a harsh, commanding one.
Jegal Mun fixed Jegal Yurong with a cold, piercing stare.
“Are you incompetent? Or did you take my request as merely a request because I phrased it that way? If the Family Head commanded it, you should have obeyed. How dare you act on your own whims?”
“I apologize. I will take responsibility for this matter.”
“That won’t be necessary.”
Jegal Mun shifted his tone again, his voice now cold and measured.
“Return at first light.”
“Family Head!”
“Whether incompetence or insubordination, it matters little. Your greatest failure is that you could not carry out my orders. So return. Either way, I see no reason to employ you further.”
“…!”
“We shall meet again at the family estate.”
Jegal Yurong had no choice but to withdraw without another word.
Jegal Mun’s fan began to move once more.
‘The martial alliance will be formed regardless. Now is the time to consider what comes after.’
The Jegal Family, standing apart from the grand stage of the realm.
He had no intention of remaining on the sidelines.
‘The Dokgo Household will already control one pillar, so we must stand on the opposite side. Grasping the helm of the great alliance that encompasses the realm is no different from seizing supreme power over all under heaven.’
A fierce ambition flickered in Jegal Mun’s eyes.
He did not believe the Jegal Family could seize it entirely. Whether by force or any other measure, the Jegal Family’s strength was insufficient.
But they could certainly control one of the pillars that divided the realm.
As he sat in contemplation, slowly fanning himself, he finally spoke.
“Is someone there?”
“Yes, Family Head.”
A figure emerged from the darkness.
“Has the Paeng Sect Leader stepped away?”
“Yes, he left a moment ago, saying he would have a drink.”
“…How troublesome.”
Jegal Mun let out a sigh.
* * *
Peng Jin-cheol was the first to speak.
“It’s been a long time. Has it been ten years?”
“Longer than that. We last met at the Sect Leader’s sixtieth birthday celebration.”
Dokgo Un-hak and Peng Jin-cheol seemed to be acquainted.
“So these are the young talents I’ve heard so much about.”
As Peng Jin-cheol turned his gaze, Dokgo Myeong and Namgung Sohwa bowed respectfully.
“I am Myeong of the Dokgo Household of Honam. It is an honor to meet the Sect Leader of the Paeng Sect.”
“I am Sohwa of the Namgung family. It is an honor to meet you, Sect Leader Paeng.”
Peng Jin-cheol’s eyes gleamed.
He had glimpsed an unmistakable aura emanating from Dokgo Myeong.
‘Remarkable. Is he truly at this level?’
While one could generally perceive auras, not everything was visible. In other words, at such a young age, he had already reached the pinnacle of martial prowess in the jianghu.
‘A true monster.’
And that was not all. Namgung Sohwa beside him was equally astonishing. There stood the fully realized form of a master swordswoman.
Peng Jin-cheol nodded and spoke.
“I am Peng Jin-cheol.”
He smiled.
“When I heard that a youth not yet twenty would have his name inscribed among the kings of the jianghu, I thought it mere exaggeration. Yet the rumors fall short of reality. To witness the Overlord with my own eyes.”
“You honor me with undeserved praise.”
Peng Jin-cheol then regarded Namgung Sohwa with a more serious gaze.
“When my son told me he witnessed a swordswoman wielding the Spear-Bow Sword at Dengyong Peak, I doubted my own ears. It is a pleasure to meet you.”
“The honor is mine.”
“That should be my line.”
“Pardon?”
Peng Jin-cheol spoke with solemn sincerity.
“I believe my ancestors made a cowardly choice. The Namgung family were heroes of the Central Plains. They should never have betrayed their principles. Though mere words, I offer this apology with utmost sincerity.”
“…!”
Namgung Sohwa’s eyes widened.
In the world of the jianghu, how difficult it was to acknowledge the failings of one’s ancestors.
“…I believe the past is the past, and the present is the present.”
Peng Jin-cheol nodded deeply as if in gratitude, his posture resembling a formal bow.
Dokgo Un-hak, who had been silent for a moment, spoke.
“Will you have a drink?”
“I would be honored.”
As Dokgo Un-hak gently filled his cup, Peng Jin-cheol drained it in one gulp.
“Excellent.”
Peng Jin-cheol set down his cup and immediately broached the main topic.
“The hour grows late, so I shall speak plainly without further delay. This is why I sought you out on such a night.”
Dokgo Un-hak nodded.
“Today’s events were regrettable in many ways. Hearing that men of the jianghu conducted themselves so shamefully, I could not remain silent.”
Even Dokgo Un-hak, who had remained composed throughout, showed a change in expression at such words.
“I heard what was discussed at the conference late and came here for this reason. I would appreciate it if you understood that such methods do not reflect the main house’s intentions.”
Dokgo Myeong spoke up suddenly.
“Are you saying the Dokgo Household will not align with the Jegal Family?”
Peng Jin-cheol let out a laugh.
“Heh, you certainly have a refreshingly straightforward nature.”
“I’m simply trying to get to the main point as quickly as possible.”
Peng Jin-cheol shook his head.
“That’s a different matter entirely.”
Peng Jin-cheol drained his cup once more, his eyes gleaming.
“I don’t believe the Jegal Family Head’s intentions themselves are flawed. Though I imagine it’s troublesome from the Dokgo perspective.”
“….”
“Just as the Dokgo Household moved for your sense of justice, we did the same. And it’s true that you need a restraint to prevent the Dokgo Household’s monopoly, isn’t it?”
He struck at the heart of the matter with refreshing clarity.
At first glance, he appeared merely bold and rough, but befitting his position as a sect leader, he possessed the vision to see the larger picture.
“Moreover… seeing your conduct and words at today’s conference, I’m convinced my thinking was not mistaken.”
Dokgo Un-hak chuckled softly and refilled his cup.
“War, you mean?”
“That was a statement that crossed the line.”
“Do you truly believe that?”
Dokgo Un-hak’s eyes deepened.
“If you obstruct us, we will simply eliminate you. Do you think we cannot?”
“I think you can. That’s precisely why I call it a statement that crossed the line.”
Peng Jin-cheol’s gaze flashed sharply.
A murderous atmosphere hung in the air.
Dokgo Un-hak held that gaze for a moment before speaking.
“Get to the main point already.”
“….”
“What did you come here to say?”
Peng Jin-cheol silently extended his cup.
Dokgo Un-hak calmly poured wine into his cup, and after Peng Jin-cheol drained it in one gulp, he opened his mouth.
“Let us arrange another meeting. How about we discuss this more calmly?”
“You seem unaware that the main house has already made sufficient concessions.”
“I’m aware. But both sides should seek the best solution.”
Dokgo Un-hak’s expression became enigmatic.
“The two family heads won’t remain idle.”
“I will attempt to persuade them.”
“…Persuade, you say.”
Dokgo Un-hak chuckled softly.
He glanced briefly back at Dokgo Myeong.
“What do you think would be best?”
In that instant, Peng Jin-cheol couldn’t hide his shock, his eyes widening. No matter how remarkable Dokgo Myeong was as a rising talent, it was because Dokgo Un-hak had seriously asked for his opinion.
“Accept it.”
Moreover, Dokgo Myeong regarded it as obvious and looked at Peng Jin-cheol.
“To minimize unnecessary waste, we need the approval of the family heads regarding the establishment of the Martial Alliance.”
“Hmm.”
“However.”
My voice grew firmer.
“There are matters we must address directly.”
“What matters are those?”
“We should correct the foolishness of those family heads who don’t even understand what they’re doing right now.”
Peng Jin-cheol’s brow furrowed.
“What did you just say?”
“Sect Leader Paeng. May I speak freely?”
“Go ahead.”
“It seems you’re gravely mistaken about something.”
“Mistaken about what?”
“It is you who stand to lose, not us.”
Dokgo Myeong continued with eyes turned cold and sharp.
“It’s true that the main house desires the establishment of the Martial Alliance. As I said before, it’s to reduce unnecessary waste. That’s the extent of our sentiment on the matter.”
To avoid being stabbed in the back during the war.
To handle the aftermath after the war.
And for me, to counter the Twin Horse Alliance.
But I couldn’t say that.
I had no intention of allowing factions to form and power struggles to ignite before the alliance was even established.
“If circumstances prove unfavorable, the main house is prepared to bear some sacrifice.”
“You, right now…!”
Placing a leash on the Dokgo Household.
That was something I welcomed.
But the war hasn’t even begun yet, and the establishment of the Martial Alliance is still merely under discussion. Now is the time to unite our strength, even if somewhat forcefully.
And I intended to accomplish this through the power of the Dokgo Household. The reason being that I would hold the leash of the Dokgo Household in my own hands.
“Are you threatening me?”
“I’m simply stating facts. You could call it persuasion.”
“How is that persuasion?”
“Then, Sect Leader Paeng, let me speak with complete honesty. Even if the three great families rise up together, they won’t be able to stop the main house.”
Peng Jin-cheol’s eyes turned glacial.
“Your confidence is remarkable.”
“Confidence? It’s simply that the main house won’t be swayed by a rabble of temporary allies that lacks both righteousness and purpose.”
“What did you just say?”
Peng Jin-cheol’s eyes widened sharply.
Regardless, Dokgo Myeong continued speaking with measured composure.
“You speak of deeds for the sake of the world, yet you harbor ambitions for your family’s gain. You’ve assembled forces, and neither your leader nor your subordinates lack for numbers. So tell me—what righteous cause does the Paeng Sect Leader truly champion?”
“…!”
“I merely summarized what you said when you arrived here. Do you see the problem now?”
Peng Jin-cheol’s eyes wavered.
In contrast, Dokgo Myeong’s gaze burned with brilliant intensity.
“Paeng Sect Leader, why did you come here in the first place? What were you hoping to gain?”
“…!”
“I’ve heard you’re as decisive as a blade, yet you conduct yourself quite differently from what the world says. How did this happen… or rather, who is responsible for this change?”
Peng Jin-cheol’s face flushed crimson with shame and mortification.
Dokgo Myeong’s calm voice pressed on.
“Leave this place. Your words carry no weight now.”
“….”
“Negotiations will proceed only to the extent that the main household is willing to concede—no further. If you seek more than that….”
Dokgo Myeong’s voice dropped low.
“Then there is only war.”

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————